Chief Dubem Onyia, the former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has passed away at the age of 73.

His family confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Onyia, who had been battling illness, died on Monday, March 10, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

The family’s statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, a distinguished statesman and former Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He passed away on Monday after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of service to Nigeria.”

Chief Onyia’s career spanned several high-profile roles, particularly in the diplomatic and political arenas.

He served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he earned a reputation for his dedication to Nigeria’s national interests.

His work in foreign diplomacy and public service left a profound impact both in Nigeria and internationally.

The statement continued, “Chief Onyia was a devoted family man, respected leader, and mentor to many. His life was marked by a commitment to public service, and his wisdom, generosity, and integrity touched the lives of countless individuals.”

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous relatives, as well as political allies and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be shared in due course.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, expressed his condolences, describing Onyia’s death as a monumental loss for both the state and the country.

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In a statement, Mbah hailed the late statesman as a “fine diplomat, patriot, and consummate public servant,” and a “quintessential intellectual” who devoted his life to the service of his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria.

“Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief the passing of statesman and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73. His contribution to Nigeria’s growth is immeasurable, and he will be remembered as a colossus in public service,” Mbah added.

Onyia, who also served as a member of the House of Representatives, held several important positions beyond his ministerial role.

These included chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, chairman of the Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission, and chair of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission.

A key player in Nigeria’s constitutional and political development, Onyia was a founding member and national officer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He also played vital roles in the 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly and served as Secretary-General of the Eastern Mandate Union, among many other notable positions.

Onyia was born on February 23, 1952, in Enugu. His educational background included studies at Ikeja District Primary School, Fatima College, and the College of Immaculate Conception in Enugu.

He furthered his education in the United Kingdom at Northampton College of Technology, Nene College (an affiliate of Leicester University), and Coventry Polytechnic.

Earlier in his career, Onyia worked as a clerical officer at Post and Telecommunications in Enugu, a trainee accountant in the UK, and an accountant at Evans Publishers in Ibadan.

Chief Onyia’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian diplomacy and politics, and he will be remembered as a committed statesman, a man of peace, and a philanthropist whose legacy will endure for years to come.

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